All Aboard: Hotels in New York City near the Cruise Port Terminal

Tourism in New York reaches over 50 million people every year. Many of those people come for the drama of Times Square, the beauty of the Statue of Liberty and the view from the Empire State Building. Other people come to rest their heads before embarking on an entirely different adventure. With one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, New York is almost as popular as a departure point as it is a destination unto itself.

If a journey by sea is in your future, these hotels are great places to rest your head before you set sail. The main concern while cruising is no longer scurvy, but whether you will be captured by the temptations of an all-day, every-day buffet. Before you embark on your adventure, consider resting ashore at one of these ten hotels, mostly less than a mile from the port. Even if you miss your wake-up call, it will be hard to miss your departure at the quay with these prime locations. Ink48 Hotel, for example, is just five blocks away from the port, providing an excellent link to the city as well as to the world beyond the island of Manhattan.

Get your sea legs ready by exploring one of America's most vibrant cities. All aboard!

The Hudson Hotel calls itself "cool" and although recognizing that is the antithesis of cool, they may be right. The innovative vision of design impresario Philippe Starck inspires the stylishly modern decor, with small yet well-equipped rooms that cram shower and bed into extremely close quarters. You will be rewarded with a divine location, just steps from Central Park and the Lincoln Centre. The in-house Hudson Common is a burger and beer hall and a great place to catch the game or eat some highly inventive chicken wings. During the winter, go to the ski-resort themed bar Hudson Lodge, complete with sheep skinned pillows.

The Hudson Hotel calls itself "cool" and although recognizing that is the antithesis of cool, they may be right. The innovative vision of design impresario Philippe Starck inspires the stylishly modern decor, with small yet well-equipped rooms... Read More

This midtown Manhattan hotel has only 37 rooms with - guess what? - modern facilities. The Moderne is a boutique hotel that is designed to provide you with a more personal and spacious experience than you may get at your run-of-the-mill New York City hotel. With abstract artwork on the walls and a chic minimalist design, many of the elements were inspired by works at the Museum of Modern Art. Showers are equipped with rain shower heads and king sized beds dominate the rooms. Just blocks away from Central Park and within walking distance to Manhattan's Cruise Port, grab a free pastry for breakfast as you head out to explore the city.

This midtown Manhattan hotel has only 37 rooms with - guess what? - modern facilities. The Moderne is a boutique hotel that is designed to provide you with a more personal and spacious experience than you may get at your run-of-the-mill New York... Read More

The Skyline Hotel is a mere 10 minute walk from Times Square, in the center of the Clinton/Hells Kitchen neighborhoods of New York City. The affordable rooms can be as small as 150 square feet: perfect for the traveller who only needs a bed to recover from a day of enthusiastic walking. Down comforters and environmentally friendly bathrooms are in every type of room, from twin to junior suite. Go to the penthouse floor in the West wing and enjoy the large indoor salt water pool. WiFi and buffet breakfast are not included, but you don't need to go far to get both in this hyper-connected city.

The Skyline Hotel is a mere 10 minute walk from Times Square, in the center of the Clinton/Hells Kitchen neighborhoods of New York City. The affordable rooms can be as small as 150 square feet: perfect for the traveller who only needs a bed to... Read More

One of the many lights in Times Square belongs to this newly renovated Hilton that soars 44 stories high. Ideal for the traveller who likes to be in the heart of it all, this Hilton is located in the most congested area of New York, yet provides a relaxing escape with light-as-a-cloud pillows, 24-hour fitness centre and even a Theatre Ticket desk. If you find a lower price for their hotel on any other website besides their own, they will match it and give you $50 back. They even have packages that provide discounts on tours, restaurants and theatre opportunities.

One of the many lights in Times Square belongs to this newly renovated Hilton that soars 44 stories high. Ideal for the traveller who likes to be in the heart of it all, this Hilton is located in the most congested area of New York, yet provides... Read More

Most of us have stayed in a Hampton Inn. This fits the expectation but it also has a spacious interior by New York City standards. Located in the Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood, this Hampton is just steps from Times Square and Radio City Music Hall. 184 basic rooms come with WiFi and a business desk, should you need to connect with coworkers or loved ones at home. The noise level is surprisingly minimal for the central location. Cribs are available on request for families that are travelling light. Enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast, but be warned: you won't be the only one vying for the scrambled eggs.

Most of us have stayed in a Hampton Inn. This fits the expectation but it also has a spacious interior by New York City standards. Located in the Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood, this Hampton is just steps from Times Square and Radio City Music... Read More

This hotel, just half a mile away from Manhattan's Cruise Port Terminal, has the feel of an urban resort. Fodor's named their outdoor garden one of the most beautiful in the world, which is ideal for sipping a cocktail or hanging OUT as they like to say (get the name now?). The lobby includes a winding catwalk that leads to outdoor havens, including a waterfall and bamboo garden. There is another waterfall in the 5,000 square foot wellness centre with a private gym and spa amenities. Modern guest rooms feature organic skincare products and a queen or king sized bed draped with 300-count Egyptian cotton terry sheets.

This hotel, just half a mile away from Manhattan's Cruise Port Terminal, has the feel of an urban resort. Fodor's named their outdoor garden one of the most beautiful in the world, which is ideal for sipping a cocktail or hanging OUT as they... Read More

The Belvedere Hotel was built in the 1920s and retains an Art Deco charm that stands out in the sea of midtown Manhattan hotels. The earthy tones in each of the 352 rooms have modern touches, such as granite bathrooms and plush bedding that appears to mold to the shape of your body. Enjoy the complimentary wine and cheese reception in the lobby or sit at the attached Churrascaria Plataforma restaurant which specializes in Brazilian rodizio-style cuisine. The concierge is trained to help with your every request, including securing sporting event tickets or transportation back to the Cruise Port Terminal.

The Belvedere Hotel was built in the 1920s and retains an Art Deco charm that stands out in the sea of midtown Manhattan hotels. The earthy tones in each of the 352 rooms have modern touches, such as granite bathrooms and plush bedding that... Read More

The Washington Jefferson Hotel is located near Times Square and New York's iconic Theatre District. As the best way to explore New York City is by foot, this couldn't be more ideally situated. Concierge services can help to secure you tickets or reservations, even if you are searching for same-day tickets to Broadway shows. After you have integrated into the bustling exterior, take a load off in one of their modern rooms, complete with goose down comforters to wrap you up at night. Some of the rooms even include spa tubs. If the streets of New York didn't provide quite enough exercise, the fitness centre is also open 24 hours a day.

The Washington Jefferson Hotel is located near Times Square and New York's iconic Theatre District. As the best way to explore New York City is by foot, this couldn't be more ideally situated. Concierge services can help to secure you tickets or... Read More

If you can't smile when declaring that you are staying at the Yotel Hotel, then you have become far too adult for your own good. Just 0.6 miles away from Manhattan's Cruise Port Terminal, this provides a glimpse of a New York life even if your stay in the city is brief. Dubbed as an oxymoronic "affordable luxury hotel," Yotel makes it super simple. You can book online, but pay on arrival. There is free coffee and a muffin in the morning. They have the largest hotel terrace in New York City. Stay in a futuristic looking cabin with a flat screen TV and monsoon shower. Because "rooms" are so last year.

If you can't smile when declaring that you are staying at the Yotel Hotel, then you have become far too adult for your own good. Just 0.6 miles away from Manhattan's Cruise Port Terminal, this provides a glimpse of a New York life even if your... Read More

Just a hop, skip and a boat ride away from Manhattan's Cruise Port Terminal, this is the perfect location for quick jaunts within New York City. This boutique hotel has stunning views of the Hudson River from many of the 222 guest rooms. Complimentary coffee, tea and newspapers allow you to start your morning off in a leisurely manner, which you can amp up even more by donning one of their animal print robes. Yoga mats and on-demand fitness classes are available, as is a beautiful fitness studio that you can always ignore in favour of jogging along the Hudson River. If you have more time in the evening, there is a free wine happy hour to meet the other guests and have a New York moment.

Just a hop, skip and a boat ride away from Manhattan's Cruise Port Terminal, this is the perfect location for quick jaunts within New York City. This boutique hotel has stunning views of the Hudson River from many of the 222 guest rooms.... Read More

Meet Courtney Sunday

Courtney Sunday has lived in England, Switzerland, Canada and the US, finding her way into the professions of freelance writing and yoga teaching in between travel opportunities. She learned... More About Courtney